4. Technological Knowledge
"Demonstrates a comprehension of current information and communication
technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information
providing entities.
Has basic knowledge of the concepts and processes related to the assessment and evaluation of the specifications,
economic impact and efficacy of technology-based products and services.
Understands and can apply the principles of techniques used to
continuously track and analyze emerging technologies to recognize relevant innovations.
Demonstrates proficiency in the use of standard information and communication technology and tools consistent with
prevailing service norms and professional applications."1
Each course for this degree was taken online and required the use of technology. It was impossible not to learn and
hone basic tech skills very quickly, or else one would be hard pressed to pass any of the classes. All classes required the
procurement of information via computers, from getting the syllabus, lectures and assignments to conversing with professor
and other students. Tests were likewise taken online and assignments uploaded to the class website. Each class required a
webpage created by the student to show and share all work created for that course with the other members of the class. We
had to learn basic HTML coding to create the webpages, while Email was used to communicate with professors and students for
work done colectively. A large majority of research was done online through the university library website, including reading
digitized articles on reserve provided by the professor. The designated librarian for distance students was used as a reference
source in realtime or via email to great effect.
ILS501 Introduction
to Information Science and Technology with Dr. Hak
Joon Kim
This foundation course provided an overview of technology from the bit to the internal workings of computers, including
both hardware and software. There was a great deal of technical information whereby we learned the importance of technology
for a librarian no matter what positions and what library he or she may be working. Whether helping a patron with a broken
printer or deciding what type of cataloging product to purchase this course emphasized the importance of technology in the
information age and the need for a librarian to remain current as the new technologies become available and effectively implement
them to better serve the public.
A large component of the course
detailed the world wide web and the different types of information retrieval systems. We did a lot of work looking at, comparing
and then evaluating search engines and databases. One of our main assignments was to pick an obscure subject and put the different
search engines and databases to the test to see what type of information was available and the differences in the information
provided by the different sources.
ILS655 Digital
Libraries with Dr. Yan Quan Liu
The "Digital Libraries" class in particular was instrumental in teaching a variety of technical skills. Dr.
Jan Quan Liu, encompassed several small projects of using digital technology, all of which were instituted toward preparing
students to create a mini digital library in the form of a website as the final semester long project.
For weekly class projects we scanned old photos and created new digital
photos and short films. We created word documents into PDF form, and made mini web pages which contained counters, guest books
search boxes, tables, images, radio buttons, check boxes, links to email and other external pages, and metadata. One assignment
was to evaluate a website of our choice for strengths and weaknesses in interface design, ease of use and use of metadata.
The final project for the "Digital Libraries"
course was to create a short example of a digital library. We could chose any subject but had to use as many of the skills
we had learned during the semester to create the website. My project encompassed immigrants. The "Tripod" site builder was
used to create the web page. There were two different countries represented: Poland and Belgium. Pages were translated, interviews
were made and original photos were scanned. Links were provided for visitors to the site to contribute information or to email
thoughts or concerns. Links to this project are provided below.
ILS560 College and University
Libraries with Dr. James Kusack
During the
College and University course Dr. Kusack had us read and discuss the use and cost involved in applying digital serials. We
discussed the copyright issues involved and we learned about new open source periodicals and articles published online by
professors at colleges and universities themselves. Because students use different means of communication we also discussed
innovations used by libraries to enhance the librarian and student relationship by using Facebook, Myspace, Flickr.
ILS565 Library
Management with Dr. James Kusack
This class
allowed us to understand how to conduct a cost benefit analysis to be able to evaluate whether a specific idea is feasible
in terms of need versus cost. Although technology is important and necessary the librarian has limited funds available and
must work with the funding authority, regardless of library type, to pay for whatever is needed. This class brought this reality
to light for all of the students.
ILS680 Evaluation
And Research with Dr. Eino Sierpe
For the research
part of the class I did one of my papers on the use of blogs formally in libraries and by librarians privately. I felt that
this was a very good tool for librarians to use in communicating with patrons and colleagues electronically and was interested
in learning more on the subject, especially to see how many and what types of blogs were being used.
ILS504 Reference and Information
Resources and Services with Dr. Elsie Okobi
Several courses introduced specific
library communication technology. For example, an assignment for the "Reference" course had us use an online reference at
any library of our choice. We did this using the email and real time options to see how they work from the user's perspective.
We were required to analyze and evaluate the efficacy of the service and of the librarian.
1 American
Library Association. (2005) Appendix A: Draft Core Competencies, July 2005.
Retrieved April 19, 2009, from: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/accreditation/prp/DraftCoreCompetencie.pdf
